Missouri Task Force 1 deployed to assist flooding

Missouri Task Force 1, a division of the Boone County Fire Protection District, has been requested for state deployment to assist with the historic flooding in and around St. Louis County.

MO-TF1 sent 22 members from around the state along with their compliment of swiftwarter rescue assets which includes two Zodiac boats, four flat bottom boats, dry suits, life jackets and other support equipment. The task force could be deployed for up to 72 hours.

Command personnel were deployed this morning and have arrived at their forward staging location at West County EMS and Fire Protection District in Manchester, Mo. The remaining personnel and equipment will be staging at Parkway South High School, also in Manchester. Once the team arrives they will receive a mission assignment. That mission could include water rescue operations, assisting with evacuations and notifications or remain in staging.

Unlike a federal deployment, members who respond to state deployments do not receive compensation. This request was received under the statewide mutual aid system which does not have a mechanism for reimbursement.